I was pondering how this affects me personally and it really doesn't, at least not directly. Sure, someone can pay money for a moderately improved (over stock) ship, with a few bits of Engineering. Good for them, I ain't gonna be buying one = it doesn't impact me directly. As someone whose been around since the Kickstarter, I reckon I could cobble together a better ship than the "pay to win" offerings with relative ease. The offerings, in their current state, really ain't so good in my view. Early access for the Python Mk II? Well, I'd like to be playing with it right away, I've been hoping for new ships for ages, but not if it's going to cost me. My additional content just comes a bit later then, bought with credits not ARX. I'm assuming at this point that the rest of the new ships will be released in the same way? Pay to get them when they're available, or wait to get them the regular way.
How does this potentially affect me? Well, if raising funds for the game by this method is what keeps it going... that sorta impacts me a bit if, without it, the game closes down or support drops right off. If this is what it takes, then so be it.
I do however think it's a bit of a shame for things to go this way, and it does go against what FDev have said in the past regarding in-game purchases. However, as someone who simply won't make such a purchase, it really doesn't impact me.
A side point: with the ARX I have saved up through regular play, I could get early-access on the Python II if I really wanted to. I don't want to though. I've saved up my ARX waiting for the "I really must have that!" moment, which has never come. I have a few free paint jobs that have been granted me due to being a Kickstarter backer - which were granted in lieu of the expected additional content that backer level / the LEP would offer.
I think for those who've been playing a while, these paid for ship builds mean nothing. Getting the Python II "late" if you don't pay up, is a bit more harsh I suppose, but I'm not really that fussed at the moment. For NEW players joining the game, I can sorta see the appeal of those ships (if they actually make them good that is lol), but will we see a load of people with decent ships but little clue how to actually play? At least they don't have to worry about flying without a rebuy...so, not gonna learn that lesson lol.
I just think some players might miss out on the experience of progression, when a degree of progression can be had with £££ instead of time. I get though that time can be very limited for some. I think we've had similar conversions when there have been the various "gold rushes" in the game, where either due to a bug, or a less than complete feature, money became really easy. To be fair, as far as credits are concerned, that's been easy for a very long time. Getting an Anaconda used to be a major milestone, taking many months of play to achieve. Progress was slow. However, I can say I certainly experienced that progress. Plus, goals such as getting my first Asp Explorer, or the Type 7, the Python and then an Anaconda were major in-game motivations for me to play. I had set goals and I played to get them.
Perhaps one day, Hutton will have a free Anaconda, if you pay for it with real money - 0cr cost, but many ARX/£££.
For me, the BIG deal is making materials go further / be more readily obtained. That will allow me to build the ships how I want to, no pre-packaged stuff. That's my main positive take-away from all this... I eagerly await to see exactly how FDev will deliver on this.
